The Hedley Foundation was established in 1971 and is a grant-giving charitable foundation which supports small to medium sized charities who work with the disadvantaged.
The Foundation supports the following:
- Youth: to help disadvantaged young people, supporting youth projects through education, the arts, sport and adventurous activities.
- Disabled: to improve the quality of life of those with a mental or physical disability.
- The elderly and terminally ill: to improve the quality of life of the elderly and those receiving end of life care.
- Miscellaneous support: other social welfare projects such as those for carers, the homeless and ex-offenders.
The scheme is intended to support smaller charitable organisations undertaking projects for young people, the disabled, terminally ill patients and others in need. The main objective of the Trustees’ grant-making is to improve lives and to lift people’s aspirations.
Although funding is at the discretion of the Trustees, the Foundation notes:
- Typically, grants of up to £5,000 are regularly made and occasional larger sums are given to charities where high impact can be achieved.
- Smaller charities may receive smaller grants of £250 upwards.
Small to mid-sized UK registered charities that are based and working in the UK can apply.
Applicants may apply if they have not received a grant from the Foundation within the previous two years (or submitted an unsuccessful application within the last 12 months).
Projects costs are supported for activities involving:
- Disadvantaged young people.
- Those living with a physical or mental disability.
- The elderly and terminally ill.
- Other social welfare projects e.g. carers, homeless, ex-offenders.
Applications are considered at Trustee meetings which are held four times a year. Submissions should be received at least six weeks before the meeting.
Applicants are advised to check the website for deadline updates. The next closing dates for applications are:
- 11 December 2024 for the meeting at the end of January
- 26 February 2025 for the meeting in early April
- 4 June 2025 for the meeting in mid July
An application form can be downloaded from the Foundation’s website. Additional information to be submitted includes:
- A copy of the most recent set of audited accounts.
- A breakdown of the costs demonstrating how the grant will be spent.
- The anticipated outcomes/impact and who/how many people will benefit.
Completed application forms should be sent by post or email (applications@hedleyfoundation.org.uk).
The Foundation receives more than 1,000 applications per year of which around 250 are successful.
